Seattle starts off mild and mostly clear this morning, sitting at about 54°F at Boeing Field, but the dry stretch will not last. Steady rain is likely to move in later today and could gum up the evening commute. South-southeast winds will pick up through the afternoon, and low clouds are expected to drop ceilings into MVFR at area airports. Plan on cooler conditions through Wednesday before skies begin to clear late Thursday and the weekend turns warmer again.
When Rain Starts And How Much
Showers should arrive by late morning and ease into a light, steady rain by mid to late afternoon, with the best chance for wet pavement between roughly 3 and 7 p.m. The National Weather Service is calling for a 60–80% chance of measurable rain Tuesday and totals of about a tenth to a quarter inch for most spots, with pockets up to a half inch possible tonight into Wednesday morning. Temperatures will top out near 60°F Tuesday, then slip into the upper 40s and low 50s overnight.
Commute And Aviation
Expect slower road travel and some delays for buses and ferries during the evening rush as wet streets mix with the usual spring congestion. At the airports, MVFR ceilings are likely to develop at KSEA and other local terminals late this afternoon into the evening, which can mean longer boarding times and occasional delays, so give yourself a little extra cushion.
Boaters Take Note
A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for parts of the inland waters this afternoon into the evening, and advisory-level seas are likely along the outer coast on Wednesday. Small-boat operators should avoid exposed areas or hold off on trips until conditions calm down, and be sure to check the latest marine forecast before leaving the dock.
Looking Ahead
Rain chances hang on through Wednesday with highs in the mid-to-upper 50s, then conditions start to dry out and brighten Thursday as a ridge builds offshore, with highs near 61°F. Forecast models continue to lean milder into the weekend, with mid-to-upper 60s expected by Saturday and Sunday, a trend we noted in our earlier Saturday soaker coverage.
For today and tonight, keep the umbrella handy and budget extra commute time. If you are heading out on the water, check the marine forecast and advisories before you cast off.
